Basra signs and thoughts on Mickey Arthur

The signing of Amrit Basra on a two-year deal is the first part of the winter rebuild of Derbyshire, one that WILL be done by Mickey Arthur.

That much came out of several chats I had today, the contents of which must remain private for the most part, but I can confirm a few things as a result of them.

But first, Basra. He fully deserves his opportunity, because he has taken advantage of his appearances in the second team, both last season and this, to deliver a consistent high level of performance. He would have liked to turn some of those scintillating innings into three figures, which is probably the next step, but sometimes it is watching a player and HOW he makes his runs that is important. 

There is a flamboyance, a panache about Amrit at the crease, just as there is a coltish enthusiasm from him in the field. Nor should we overlook his bowling, which will probably take a few wickets across the formats over the season. He will be especially valuable in the Blast but I see him slotting nicely into next summer's middle order. 

He isn't the finished article, but working on his game over the winter will give him the opportunity to hone his technique, without restricting the flair that makes him such compelling viewing.

It is hoped that a deal will follow for Rory Haydon, although I am aware of interest, via his performances for Staffordshire, from another county. I would like to think Rory will sign sooner, rather than later, but we will need to wait on that one. 

There will not be wholesale changes over the winter, because the budget is finite, but I get the impression that the future sees a more athletic, more home-reared Derbyshire that supporters can get behind, but at the same time be patient with.

It is, however, clear that regardless of the feelings of some supporters and members, including myself, Mickey Arthur is here to stay and 'remains fully invested in the club'. There will be details that will undoubtedly be revealed by the club when they are ready to do so, but regardless of what we all think from recent events, things are not so clear cut.

The ECB says there HAS to be fluidity between the county game and the Hundred and a willingness for coaches to be released on request. What was not realised at the time the press release was made in January was just how much overlap there would be between Derbyshire fixtures and those of the Northern Superchargers. The communication of the Head of Cricket's absence COULD have been better, but his strategic role doesn't see him have too much 'hands on' coaching involvement. So from that perspective, leaving Ben Smith and Ajmal Shahzad in charge was not such a leap of faith. But I understand that he has still picked teams and still spoken to players before and after matches

I also understand that around 12.5% of salary comes back to clubs for players and coaches who are recruited for the new competition, so that will be times four in our case, with three players and a coach.

We need to keep in mind, I think, that players (apparently) do want to come and play for Derbyshire AND for Mickey Arthur. Indeed, contracts can in some cases be ripped up in sport, if the coach of choice who persuaded the player to come to the club is no longer in post. Some even get it written into contracts these days..

But plans are in motion for next season and Mickey Arthur WILL be building his squad over the winter and leading the club into it. If the plans come to fruition, it will be exciting and well worth the price of admission.

If it isn't, I don't think any of the above should prevent Derbyshire from going in a different direction. We will by then have had five years and three versions of 'my team'. 

In other news, I can confirm that Josh de Caires will not be coming, nor will Sean Dickson, who has not been on the county's radar at any point, despite newspaper reports to the contrary. I suspect de Caires will stay at Middlesex, especially with an opening berth available after the departure of Steve Eskinazi to Leicestershire.

Supporters will of course look at Leicestershire and think 'Why can't we do that'? I can only suggest keeping an eye on that county, because several stories have come to me from various trusted sources of a 'boom or bust' mentality. Which is fine, if you are prepared to risk the latter, of course. I would prefer my county to live within its means, just as long as it doesn't reach the end of a financial year with multiple thousand pounds of profit. After all, it is a cricket club and the majority of expense has to be on the sport, as well as the facilities for those who come along to watch it. 

My conversations today didn't change my opinion that the transition to The Hundred was badly handled. If the club had communicated what was happening, the unrest of the past fortnight could have been avoided.

It would have been better had Ben Smith taken charge for the One Day Cup with no interference,  no frequent phone calls and messages to the middle. A press release giving him control would have made more sense, so too the Head of Cricket having faith in him and allowing him to run things. 

I can't say any more at this stage, but I am grateful for the time spent on those conversations today.

Like it or not, Mickey WILL be staying. Here's hoping his team, version three, is an enhancement..

There cannot be a version four. Whoever he attracts to the club, he has to create an environment in which they can thrive and produce their best cricket.

Can he?